Guthrie

Meaning & origin

Guthrie is a Scottish surname-turned-first-name that has never been common, but has enjoyed a niche presence for well over a century. First recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1895, its peak year, it reached a rank of 10,695 in 2025, with an estimated 1 in 284,679 boys given the name that year. The name's trajectory has been falling since 2017, indicating a gradual decline in usage. Guthrie's top states of popularity are not listed, suggesting it is thinly spread across the country. As a revival name of the late 19th century, Guthrie appeals to parents seeking a distinctly Scottish name with historical roots and a gentle, literary feel. Its connection to folk singer Woody Guthrie gives it subtle cultural resonance without overpowering associations. The name's etymological meaning of 'windy place' evokes the landscapes of Angus, Scotland, and its sound is both sturdy and melodic.

Guthrie is a Scottish surname transferred to first name use. It originates from the place name Guthrie in Angus, Scotland, which derives from the Gaelic elements 'gaoth' meaning 'wind' and 'rath' meaning 'fort' or 'dwelling', thus 'windy place'. The surname was borne by a prominent Scottish family, the Guthries of Guthrie, and has been used as a given name since the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora. Its use as a first name in the United States has been rare, with occasional appearances in the Social Security records since the late 1800s.